Tomlin on MVP, ‘the streak’, Deshaun, Myles

Q. In talking about the win over the Ravens in Baltimore, you said, “I really just think our guys’ willingness to embrace the type of game it was going to be, to duly prepare and then deliver that performance, is what I’d like to acknowledge.” Can you elaborate on what you meant by “what type of game it was going to be,” and how did the players embrace that?
A. I think this rivalry that is Steelers-Ravens has a texture to it, has a reputation about it. Whenever we come together that’s the storyline leading up to it, that’s the plot that’s in the air. As always, a lot of significance on the game, they flexed the game to primetime. And our guys’ ability to focus and see that but see through that to just see the importance of preparation to make our plan a legitimate one through work and then to deliver performance, is what captured my attention about the totality of the experience. To smile in the face of adversity, to deliver in the face of adversity in big games, hostile environments, I just think is good for teams and particularly is good for young developing players. Guys like Kenny Pickett, guys like Najee Harris, guys like Pat Freiermuth, guys like George Pickens, guys like DeMarvin Leal, guys like Mark Robinson, for all of them to prepare for an atmosphere and a worthy opponent like that and then to deliver, I just think it’s good.

Q. You always have come across as someone who loves his job, and you have described yourself as a football junkie. What is it that you enjoy about this team in particular?
A. I enjoy the drudgery, the daily approach to business, the energy that they bring to it. Inexperience oftentimes is a negative discussion – lack of experience, youth and so forth, but there are some positive components to youth, too. The ability to bring energy and enthusiasm and that wide-eyed appeal to what could be drudgery, such as routine Wednesdays and Thursdays, and drill work and competition periods. It’s never a dull moment. There’s a lot of energy,…